Bethel Library to host antiques appraisal fair

On Friday, Oct. 17 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ Mobile Appraisal Coach will roll into Bethel for an antiques appraisal fundraiser event hosted by the Bethel Library. Local participants will receive instant, onsite valuations by appraisers Kaja Veilleux and John D. Bottero for antique or collectible items brought to the Coach, which will be parked at the library’s 5 Broad Street location. There will be a suggested donation of $10 per item, or $25 for 3 items, and 100 percent of the proceeds will support the Library.

Librarian Michelle Conroy said: “We are thrilled that Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ appraisal team is coming to Bethel to help us raise needed funds. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to find out what their family heirlooms and household treasures are worth, while supporting their local library at the same time.”

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ Mobile Coach is the first-of-its-kind, 36-foot-long motor coach equipped with state of the art appraisal tools and reference materials. Kaja Veilleux, President of Thomaston Place, noted: “We have been doing free appraisals every week at our Thomaston Gallery for over 25 years. We are very excited to be able to take this service on the road and support the worthwhile programs of the Bethel Library.”

Participants are encouraged to bring any items that they want to have appraised to the event. If items are too large to be transported to the coach, detailed photographs can be used to determine their approximate value. There are no appointments, and each person will have a chance to meet with an appraiser on a first come, first served basis.

This unique event will help the Bethel Library raise funds to continue to expand its collection and services in the community. The library offers not only books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs, but also public access computers, 24-hour Wi-Fi, and downloadable e-books.